Date Of Birth
30 January, 1974
Biography
Born Christian Charles Philip Bale on January 30 1974 in Wales, Christian Bale is an actor best known for playing Batman after getting heavily involved in mostly independent films. At the age of 13, Steven Spielberg cast him in a starring role for Empire of the Sun as an English boy who finds himself in a Japanese camp during the World War II. Known to enjoy a cult following, Bale is a master of accents and shedding and gaining weight for roles.
The son of an entrepreneur-talent manager and circus and clown performer, Christian Bale spent his childhood alternating from The U.S., England, and Portugal. When he was two years old, the family left Wales and settled in Bournemouth in England where he attended grade school. As a child, he also trained in ballet and guitar. He entered the world of show business via a Lenor commercial in 1982 when he was just eight years old. After more commercials, he made his stage debut in The Nerd, opposite Rowan ‘Mr. Bean’ Atkinson.
Christian Bale’s foray into mainstream film began in the made-for-television film Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna in 1986. This was followed by roles in the miniseries Heart of the Country, the adventure Mio in the Land of Faraway, and eventually the Steven Spielberg film. His role in Empire of the Sun earned him the first ever Best Performance by a Juvenile Actor from the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures, an award created specifically for him. He then starred in several more movies including Swing Kids, Little Women, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and providing the voice of Thomas in Pocahontas.
In 1999, Bale would play what would be his most acclaimed roles, as a serial killer in American Psycho. In 2004, he was cast for the coveted role of Bruce Wayne / Batman, alongside Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. He needed to beef up for the role but he was able to meet the deadline of six months. His performance was widely applauded, winning Best Hero at the 2006 MTV Movie Awards.
Place of Birth
Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK
Birth Name
Christian Charles Philip Bale
Gender
Male
Fun Facts
Spouse: Sibi Blazic (29 January 2000 – present)
He was raised in England, Portugal and California.
His great-uncle, Rex Bale, was an actor.
His father was a former commercial pilot.
His mother was a former circus dancer.
He has three sisters: musician Erin Bale; computer professional Sharon Bale; and director/actress Louise Bale, who appeared in Newsies (1992).
Met his wife through Winona Ryder; she was Ryder’s personal assistant.
His wife, Sibi Blazic, gave birth to the couple’s first child, a girl. The baby was born 27 March, 2005 in Santa Monica, California.
First non-American actor to portray Batman/Bruce Wayne.
Is the youngest actor to portray Batman.
Owned a home he shared with his sister, Louise Bale, in Manhattan Beach.
Has been a Vegetarian since the age of six
Awards
8 wins & 15 nominations.
2008: Independent Spirit Awards – Robert Altman Award
for: I’m Not There. (2007)
Shared with: Todd Haynes (director), Laura Rosenthal (casting director), Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, Marcus Carl Franklin, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Bruce Greenwood
2007: San Diego Film Critics Society Awards – Special Award
for: 3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Also for I’m Not There. (2007) and Rescue Dawn (2006).
For the body of work.
2006: Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA – Saturn Award
Best Actor
for: Batman Begins (2005)
2006: MTV Movie Awards
Best Hero
for: Batman Begins (2005)
2004: Sitges – Catalonian International Film Festival – Best Actor
for: Maquinista, El (2004)
2001: Chlotrudis Awards
Best Actor
for: American Psycho (2000)
1989: Young Artist Award
Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
for: Empire of the Sun (1987)
1987: National Board of Review, USA
Best Juvenile Performance
for: Empire of the Sun (1987)
Filmography
2008: Batman: The Dark Knight – Bruce Wayne/Batman
2007: 3:10 to Yuma – Dan Evans
2007: I’m Not There – Bob Dylan/John/Jack
2006: Rescue Dawn – Dieter
2006: The Prestige – Alfred Borden
2005: Harsh Times – Jim Davis
2005: The New World – John Rolfe
2005: Batman Begins! – Bruce Wayne/Batman
2004: Hauru non ugoku shiro – Howl (voice)
2003: El maquinista – Trevor Reznik
2003: Laurel Canyon – Sam
2002: Reign of Fire – Quinn
2002: Equilibrium – Clerick John Preston
2001: Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Mandras
2000: Shaft – Walter Wade jr.
2000: American Psycho – Patrick Bateman
1999: Mary, Mother of Jesus – Jesus
1999: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Demetrius
1998: Velvet Goldmine – Arthur Stuart
1996: The Portrait of a Lady – Edward Rosier
1996: Joseph Conrad’s Secret Agent – Stevie
1995: Pocahontas – Thomas (voice)
1994: Little Women – Laurie
1993: Swing Kids – Thomas
1992: Newsies – Jack Kelly/Frances Sullivan
1990: Treasure Island – Jim Hawkins
1989: Henry V – Falstaff’s Boy
1987: Empire of the Sun – Jim ‘Jamie’ Graham
Height
6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
Quotes
I don’t want to know about the lives of other actors and I don’t want people to know too much about me. If we don’t know about the private lives of other actors, that leaves us as clean slates when it comes to playing characters. That’s the point, they can create these other characters and I can believe them. I think if you’re a good enough actor, that’s the way to longevity in the film business. Keep everybody guessing.
I started my career without fans.
